First Spider-Man: Miles Morales gameplay footage on PS5; game also coming to PS4

Sony's PS5 reveal event began with some webswinging superheroics, courtesy of Insomniac's upcoming Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

The next story in the saga of Marvel's Spider-Man — which, if you haven't heard, was something of a hit so massive, it led to Sony buying Insomniac outright — picks up with Miles' story a year after the events of the original game. With Peter Parker largely sitting this one out, it falls to Miles to fight the Roxxon Corporation as a war brews in Harlem between them and the Tinkerer's Underground group. And to make matters worse, Miles' mother Rio runs the risk of being caught in the crossfire as she campaigns to make Harlem safer.

In other words, it's the perfect scenario for a new hero like Miles to get his heroic feet wet.

After a short segment where Miles and his friend Ganke travel through the wintry streets of Harlem, walking along a vibrant street fair, we get the first look at our hero in action. The combat makes a big display of Miles' combat abilities, in particular his Venom Strike, which can stun enemies. One such power lets him make an electrically charged dash to an enemy, and another props enemies in the air, making them vulnerable for air combos. These moves will certainly be handy against New York's growing threats, and help make him distinct from Peter. 

After dispatching the Underground forces, Miles has to do some daring webs and acrobatics as the bridge collapses underneath his feet. Much like the first game, this segment features small quicktime events that'll spell doom for our hero and everyone else on the bridge if they're messed up. This may be his first time at the hero game in this universe, but he's already showing that he's got quite a knack for it.

Despite what it may look like, Miles isn't actually Spider-Man 2. Think of it as Uncharted's Lost Legacy adventure, a way to whet your appetite for the eventual full-fledged Spider-Man 2 whenever Insomniac releases that title. Between this and the new Ratchet & Clank, they're sort of busy at the moment.  

If you have a PS4, don't fret, because you'll be able to buy the game for PS4 for $50. And best of all, when you finally do get a PS5, you can upgrade at no extra charge. Those who buy the game's $70 Ultimate Edition will also get a voucher for a PS5 version of Marvel's Spider-Man, complete with that game's DLC. The PS5 version will also come with new Spider-suits, trophies, and photo mode features, for those who need some extra incentive. 

Spider-Man: Miles Morales swings onto PS5 and PS4 on Nov. 12.